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STATUE FOR ABDUL-JABBAR

 
Published Nov. 17, 2012|Updated Nov. 19, 2012

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's skyhook has been captured in bronze for future generations to see outside Staples Center in Los Angeles. The nearly 16-foot-tall statue of the top scorer in NBA history was unveiled alongside statues of fellow Lakers greats Magic Johnson and Jerry West. Abdul-Jabbar is depicted in his signature goggles and the 1980s short-shorts. "Having lived my life and had the experiences I've had, I can understand now what a man like Lou Gehrig means when he considers himself the luckiest man on the face of the earth," the 65-year-old Abdul-Jabbar said after revealing the statue under threatening clouds. "I'm glad we got here before the pigeons got to it."

ABSENT ROCKET: Houston first-round pick Royce White wrote on Twitter that properly treating his mental-health condition is more important than his NBA career. White has been absent from Houston's practices for almost a week and called the team "inconsistent" in how it was helping him deal with his anxiety issues and obsessive compulsive disorder. According to an ESPN report, he will meet with the Rockets on Monday to discuss his future. White posted on Twitter: "I'm not PLANNING to quit, but if its between my HEALTH and BASKETBALL, health takes precedence." The team has not commented beyond White is "not available" and the Rockets will continue to support him.

AROUND THE LEAGUE: 76ers center Andrew Bynum said he suffered a "setback" in his return from a knee injury and a planned Dec. 10 return is now in question. He has a bone bruise on the right knee but now says his left knee has swelling. Bynum, who has yet to practice with the 76ers since being acquired in August, said: "I kind of have a mirror thing going on with my left knee. I don't know what's going on, but the doctors are saying pretty much that it's a weakened cartilage state." ... Hornets GM Dell Demps agreed to a new multiyear contract extension but no details were released.